Word Origin & History

peaceful c.1300, "inclined to peace, friendly," from peace + -ful. Meaning "tranquil, calm" is from mid-14c. In reference to nonviolent methods of effecting social change, it is attested from 1876. Peaceful coexistence (1920) originally was in regard to Soviet policy toward the capitalist West.

Example Sentences for peacefully

In the course of a few days the strength of the Emperor began to decline, and at last he quietly and peacefully passed away.

He then ordered several cannon-shot to be thrown to the eminence, where the large party was peacefully assembled.

The course of time had flowed through the interval since the winter peacefully and happily in our new home.

Peacefully, on what had been her couch of pain, lay the silent form of Jenny.

The other girls were sleeping as peacefully as though they were in their own beds at Ardmore College.

Those eight years passed quietly and peacefully to Stephen and Ermine.

While our small adventurer was peacefully sleeping, the milkmaid came to give the cattle their morning fodder.

For present purposes the said begging is comprised in the word 'peacefully.'

I advise you, in that case, to remain at home, and peacefully await the bounties of your son Eugene.

He was dying all the afternoon, peacefully and gently, and at sunset the end came.